Packet pickup was a breeze-separate areas for each item (mesh gear bag, tech shirt, souvenir glass, tech hat). Loved the swag, but not a fan of purple two-tone shirts!! Loved the tech material though.. Parking was easy, each lot was indicated in the instructions packet and the lots were all near the start. Race course was very scenic, from the riverfront, to city streets (can't help it in the city!) to the idyllic neighborhoods with old historic homes. A few bands along the course helped motivate us, and even included a random guy on an acoustic guitar! Fairly flat except for the last mile (short uphill) and down to the finish. Awesome food/drinks included mini hamburgers, soft pretzels, mini pit pork, chocolate milk, vitamin water/smart water, and pizza slices along with the usual bananas, chips, and regular water.